Russian FM: UN chief candidates must adhere to charter principles

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that all candidates for the post of UN Secretary-General must strictly adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, according to a statement from the ministry.

Lavrov made the remarks during a meeting in Moscow with Rebeca Grynspan, who is among those being considered for the position.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov conveyed Moscow’s position that candidates for the organisation’s top job should remain impartial towards the interests of all member states and support adapting the UN to “multipolar realities”.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations is appointed by the UN General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council, which selects candidates and can veto nominations.

While there is no formal limit on the number of five-year terms an individual may serve, no Secretary-General has held the post for more than two terms.

The current Secretary-General, António Guterres, has been in office since January 1, 2017. His mandate is set to expire on December 31 this year.

By Aghakazim Guliyev